The Rhode Island Environmental Police announced Wednesday that a group of fishermen operating out of Middletown were found in possession of what appears to be 90 black sea bass and 50 tautog after a routine boat inspection on Oct. 25.
According to the agency, the anglers initially denied having any fish on board when they returned to shore. After the officer conducted a thorough check of the vessel, the fish were discovered, suggesting a violation of state marine size limits and possession rules.
The officer assessed the boat for $700 in boating safety violation fines. The Environmental Police indicated that criminal charges are forthcoming for the individuals involved, though no names have been released at this time.
State regulations set specific limits on the number and size of black sea bass and tautog that may be harvested in Rhode Island waters. These limits are designed to protect the sustainability of the species and ensure healthy marine ecosystems for future generations.
Members of the public can review the full list of marine size limits and related regulations on the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management website. The agency encourages anglers to familiarize themselves with these rules to avoid future violations and to support responsible fishing practices.
Why the enforcement matters
Enforcing size and possession limits helps maintain balanced fish populations, which benefits both commercial and recreational fishing communities. When limits are exceeded, it can lead to over‑fishing, reduced stock health, and long‑term economic impacts for coastal towns that rely on tourism and sport fishing.
Local fishermen and boating enthusiasts are urged to report any suspected violations and to cooperate fully with law‑enforcement officials during inspections. The Environmental Police remain committed to upholding Rhode Island’s marine conservation laws and ensuring that the state’s waters remain a safe and sustainable resource for all.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
